The company behind an upcoming luxury retreat headlined by Meghan Markle has been plunged into financial turmoil, according to reports. It comes as the PR agency run by one of its organisers reportedly collapsed with debts exceeding half a million Australian dollars.

Australian publicist Gemma O’Neill, who has been promoting the “Her Best Life Retreat” in Sydney, is facing mounting scrutiny after her talent management firm, Gemmie Agency, entered voluntary liquidation owing more than $543,000, primarily to the Australian Taxation Office. Despite the financial difficulties, representatives for the Duchess of Sussex confirmed she will still appear at the three-day event, scheduled for April 17 to 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

The retreat, organised by Besties Australia, a joint venture between O’Neill and radio personality Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, promises a luxury weekend experience. Tickets cost up to £1,705 or $3,199 AUD and include a gala dinner, a group photograph with Meghan and access to an on-stage interview.

Around 300 attendees are expected at the seaside event, which includes wellness activities such as meditation, sound healing and panel discussions alongside social events including a DJ-led evening and poolside gatherings.

The financial collapse of O’Neill’s agency has raised questions about the stability behind the scenes. Administrators from Grant Thornton Australia were appointed after Gemmie Agency went into liquidation in November. The firm’s debts include over $543,000 owed to the tax office and smaller sums to other creditors.

O’Neill told administrators she is unable to repay the debts, citing limited income, lack of personal savings and a failed attempt to refinance her Sydney property.

The insolvency report also references a loan of $18,143 made by Gemmie Agency to Besties Australia. Administrators have requested further clarification on the transaction.

O’Neill has said the loan may have been incorrectly recorded and related to company expenses rather than a direct transfer to the events business.

The event has also drawn attention for the involvement of Markus Anderson, a long-time confidant of Meghan who is said to have helped broker the deal. O’Neill has described him as a close friend and credited him with suggesting Meghan as the headline guest.

The announcement came shortly after turmoil involving Henderson’s radio career. Her long-running show with Kyle Sandilands on KIIS FM was taken off air following an on-air dispute, with reports their contracts were subsequently terminated.

Administrators noted that the scale of Gemmie Agency’s debts contrasts with a reported seven-figure commission the firm received from a major client between late 2023 and early 2024.

O’Neill is expected to respond formally to the creditors’ findings this week. Organisers have said the retreat will go ahead as planned and continue to promote it as a premium wellness and networking experience for women.